Just There, Over the Crowned
Just There, Over the Crowned - meaning Summary
Law Above King and People
The poem asserts a simple political vision: a just state where Law and Liberty are joined, protecting every person equally. Rulers hold crowns by law, not mere birth, and their power is limited because Law stands above them. Arms and justice operate without bribery or fear. The closing lines warn of disaster when Law is neglected and either rulers or people triumph over legal order.
Read Complete AnalysesJust there, over the crowned head, Wasn't laid a woe of a nation, Where Law is steadfastly set With Liberty in combination. Where every one obtains a shield, Where, hold by righteous arms of people, Their sword glides smoothly o'er a field Of equal heads, not choosing singles, And strikes the crime from righteous height With force that only rightness bears, Where fair arms could not be bribed Not by a greed, not by a fear, Oh, kings! Your crown and your throne Not by your birth, by Law are given; You stand over your people own, But over you stands Law, even. And woe, woe to the tribes Where Law sleeps without care, Where the people or the tsars, Could govern over Law forever! Translated by Yevgeny Bonver
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